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WASHINGTON 



A CHRISTIAN 



A DISCOURSE PREACHED FEBRUARY 23, 1862, IN THE FIRST 
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 



BY THE PASTOR. 






Vi^'iif; 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

WILLIAM S. & ALFRED MARTIEN, 

606 CHESTNUT STREET. 

1862. 



.1^ 



W^*^ 



THE PROFITS OP THIS PUBLICATION ARE DEVOTED TO THE ARMY 
COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA YOUNG MEN's CHRISTIAN 
ASSOCIATION. 



COKRESPONDENCE. 



Philadelphia, February 25, 1862. 
REV. DR. WYLIE, 

Dear Sir — The undersigned, having listened with great pleasure to your ex- 
cellent discourse on the Character of Washington, considering it admirably 
suited to the times, and worthy of wide circulation, recjuest, at your earliest 
conyenience, the favour of a copy of the same for publication. 
Yours, very respectfully, 

J. W. Faires, R. Black, 

Geo. II. Stuart, J. B. Rodgers, 

R. Guy, W. Rat, 

A. S. McMuRRAT, J. Grant. 



Philadelphia, February 2S, 1862. 

Dear Brethren — It gives me pleasure to find that the discourse, to which you 
refer so kindly, has met with your approval. Influenced by the judgment of 
friends whom I respect so much, I overcome my repugnance to appear in print, 
and submit it to you for publication, with the earnest desire that it may do some- 
thing to lead the soldiers and statesmen of the present times to emulate the 
example of the illustrious Washington. 

You may observe, that the discourse, as now submitted to you, is somewhat 
modified. I have made free use ofSparks's Life and Writings of Washington, 
Rev. E. C. Macguire's Work on his Religious Opinions and Character, and various 
other publications bearing on the subject, which will be found to substantiate 
what I have said. Quoting largely Washington's own language, I have omitted 
much which was my own. I thought it was better to let him speak, and be silent 
myself. His pure example and wise counsels suit our circumstances, when an 
intestine enemy has reproduced dangers as appalling as those which our Revolu- 
tionary Fathers encountered. As we emerged gloriously then from the sea of 
trouble, so Heaven's guidance and support will rescue us again. It is, perhaps, 
too much to expect that our present struggle will develope another Washington; 
but when this foul rebellion shall have been suppressed, we shall have renewed 
reason to praise Him in whom " our fathers trusted, and he delivered them," 
and who is " our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." 
With affectionate regard, 

I am truly yours, 

T. W. J. WYLIE. 
J. W. Faires, D. D., George H. Stuart, Esq., R. Guy, Esq. A. S. McMurray, M. D., 

R. Black, Esq., J. B. Rodgers, Q. M, 109th Reg. P. V., W. Ray, Esq., James 

Grant, Esq. 

3 



TO 

MAJOR GENERAL 
GEOEaE B. McCLELLAN, 

COMMANDER IN CHIEF OP THE UNITED STATES ARMY: 

CALLED BY OUR GOVERNMENT TO THE HIGHEST MILITARY STATION, 

COMBINING SO MANY ELEMENTS OP CHARACTER TO SECURE A NATION'S 
CONFIDENCE, 

COMMENDED TO HEAVEN IN PRAYER BY MULTITUDES 
THROUGHOUT OUR LAND, 

THIS DISCOURSE, 

PRESENTING AN EXAMPLE WORTHY OF THE HIGHEST AMBITION, 

IS, 

MOST RESPECTFULLY, 

DEDICATED. 



t%i. 



" ACCOEDINQ TO THT MANIFOLD MERCIES THOU GAYEST THEM SAVIOURS, WHO SAVED 
THEM OUT OF THE HAND OF THEIR ENEMIES." 

Nehemiah ix. 27. 



WASHINGTON A CHRISTIAN 



Why was yesterday, throughout our land, such 
a day of gladness'? It was because, in the 
arrangements of Divine Providence, a succes- 
sion of victories which had crowned our arms, 
was connected, by a delightful coincidence, 
with the recurrence of the birthday of the 
patriot, the hero, the statesman, who, by uni- 
versal consent, bears the honoured name of 
Father of his Country. It was well for us, 
with gratitude to Heaven, to observe the day; 
and while reflecting on the evidences which 
the past presented, that the Lord our God was 
with us, to gather hope and courage for the 
future. 

t It is proper for any nation to cherish the 
memory of those who have been its deliverers 



8 Washington a Christian. 

• 

or benefactors. In one of the sacred Psalms 
(Ixxxvii. 4) we have been singing, the inspired 
writer refers to Kahab, or Egypt, and Babylon, 
as distinguished for their great men. Ethio- 
pia, also, then, as now, perhaps, despised by 
many, is not forgotten — "this man was bom 
there." But it is when the honours which may 
be accorded to any one, for the natural great- 
ness which he may attain, are connected with 
the higher glory of a Christian life, that we 
find an object worthy of our chief admiration. 
"It shall be said of Zion, This and that man 
was born in her; and he that is the Highest 
himself, shall establish her. The Lord shall 
count, when he writeth up the people, that this 
man was born there. Selah. As well the sing- 
ers, as the players on instruments, shall be 
there. All my springs are in thee." 

It is in this aspect then, especially, that we 
think it proper, to-day, to review the character 
of that illustrious man, whom our nation 
delights to honour. We do, indeed, think it 
would be unsuitable to introduce into this holy 
place what was purely political; and we con- 
sider it highly improper that any should sub- 



Washington a Christian. 9 

stitute the reading of Washington's Farewell 
Address for the usual exposition of divine 
truth; but we do think it is perfectly appro- 
priate that we consider the illustration which 
the history of our country, and the life of 
Washington afford, of the language of our text : 
God, "according to his manifold mercies, has 
given us saviours, who have saved us out of the 
hand of our enemies." Such men were Wash- 
ington, and others; and it is proper for us to 
acknowledge, with gratitude, the manifold mer- 
cies of that gracious Being who raised them to 
save us from the hand of our enemies. 

In thus referring to the history of Washing- 
ton, we invite your attention, first, to his early 
life. We desire, naturally, to trace a mighty 
river to its fountain; and as we notice how it 
gushes from the mountain-side, in some dark 
glen, almost entirely concealed from view; and 
as we trace its widening, deepening course, till 
it swells into the majestic stream, which floats 
a navy on its bosom, we admire the more the 
grandeur of a development so great, from a 
beginning so small. We ask what influences 
have produced such a result. So in the career 



10 Washington a Christian. 

of great men — so in the history of Washington. 
One of our first inquiries is, What was he 
when a child] How was formed then that 
noble character, which has gained him a place 
so exalted in the annals of our race] 

We may notice, first of all, that he enjoyed 
the blessing of pious parents. His father, who 
died when his son was only about ten years 
old, was a religious man, and appears to have 
had a profound sense of the Divine existence 
and excellence, which he endeavoured to 
impress on the tender heart of his child. His 
mother, too, was a consistent Christian, and 
carefully brought up her children "in the nur- 
ture and admonition of the Lord." It is related 
of her daughter, that when parting with a son, 
as he first left his home, she gave him, as her 
farewell charge, "My son, never neglect the 
duty of secret prayer." Washington, we doubt 
not, was early taught to pray ; and from a child, 
he knew the Holy Scriptures. Indeed, there is 
reason to believe that from a very early age he 
was a subject of regenerating and sanctifying 
grace. His case is one of many which prove 
the faithfulness of the divine promise: "Train 



Washington a Christian. 11 

up a child in the way he should go, and when 
he is old he will not depart from it." 

One of the principal features of his charac- 
ter was filial obedience. He was remarkable 
for the respect which he always showed his 
widowed mother. When quite a young man, 
a commission was obtained for him to enter 
the British Navy as a midshipman. His mo- 
ther had given a reluctant assent, and all the 
necessary arrangements had been made. The 
vessel was lying in the Potomac to receive him 
on board; his baggage was ready; he was just 
going to say farewell, when he observed that 
his mother's heart was grieved, and he resolved 
to remain. The firm spirit which never quailed 
before a foe, was bowed by a mother's love. 
His whole career was changed. Had it not 
been that he was thus influenced, how different 
would have been his subsequent history, and 
ours! 

Such was his general, we doubt not but we 
may say, his uniform character. When some 
one, after the great victory which terminated 
our Revolutionary War, hastened to announce 
the tidings to his mother, her reply was sim- 



12 Washington a Christian. 

ply, " George was always a good child." We 
question if any of the honours which were 
heaped upon him were more grateful than this 
praise from the lips of her whom he so much 
loved and revered. 

He displayed in youth an intrepidity which 
foretokened the courage he afterwards mani- 
fested. The traveller who visits the Natural 
Bridge in Virginia may notice how one person 
and another, desirous of leaving a record of his 
existence, has climbed up its almost perpendic- 
ular sides and carved his name on the soft rock. 
High up above the rest is the name of Wash- 
ington — the steady heart, the firm hand, the 
strong foothold of the boy, corresponding to 
the character of the man. 

His habits of system and industry were 
remarkable from early life. In the language 
of an old writer, he "endeavoured to live by 
rule, and therefore had a rule to live by." 
When he was about thirteen years of age he 
prepared a blank book to make a record of 
such things as he considered worthy of especial 
remembrance. Among other articles entered 
in this book we find a number of rules of 



Washington a Christian. 13 

conduct for the young. Some of these indicate 
the leading elements of his future character. 
" When you speak of God or his attributes, let 
it be seriously in reverence." "Labour to 
keep alive in your breast that little spark 
of celestial fre called conscience''' "Be no 
flatterer." "Show not yourself glad at the 
misfortune of another, though he were your 
enemy." "Let your conversation be without 
malice or envy." "Detract not from others, 
neither be excessive in commending." "Un- 
dertake not what you cannot perform, but be 
careful to keep your promise." "Let your 
discourse with men of business be short and 
comprehensive." "When you meet with one 
of greater quality than yourself, stop and retire, 
especially if it be at a door or any straight 
place, to give way for him to pass." "Li your 
apparel be modest, and endeavor to accommo- 
date nature rather than to procure admiration." 
"Play not the peacock, looking everywhere 
about you, to see if you be well-decked; if your 
shoes fit well, if your stockings sit neatly, and 
clothes handsomely." One of the books which 
belonged to his mother, and which was found 
2 



14 Washington a Christian. 

in his own library, having evidences of frequent 
use, was the writings of Sir Matthew Hale ; 
and there is reason to believe that the valuable 
counsels which it contains w^ere enjoined by his 
mother, and adopted by himself, for the regula- 
tion of his life. 

His love of truth is shown by incidents in 
his history which are as familiar to all Amer- 
icans as household words. His sense of justice, 
his impartiality and decision of character were 
conspicuous even when he was a child. His 
companions had such confidence in him that 
they were in the habit of calhng on him 
to settle their disputes. Although naturally 
courageous, he would neither fight with his 
schoolmates himself, nor allow them to fight 
with each other, and braving their displeasure, 
he would inform the teacher in order to prevent 
such combats. 

But we pass to consider his character as he 
entered upon public life — as the soldier and 
the statesman — in both the Christian. 

It is well known that he early entered into 
military service, and in the wars with the 
French and Indians, before our Revolution 



Washington a Christian. 16' 

occurred, he was prepared for his high position 
as the commander-in-chief of our armies duiing 
the severe and long-continued struggle for our 
National Independence. The condition of our 
country at this period shows that he was 
"raised up for such a time." Our numbers 
were few, our resources feeble indeed, and yet 
we had to cope with the well-trained armies of 
a mighty empire. At the head of our troops 
he was the right man in the right place. With 
courage to strike the blow, and with firmness 
to wait till all was ready, he was the very per- 
son who was fit for such a post. One who was 
rash or impetuous would have hazarded our 
cause in the unequal struggle, and lost it. But 
he could brave insinuation and reproach, and 
with a lofty patriotism prefer that his own 
character should sufier rather than his country 
should be injured. Remarkably preserved from 
dangers at various times, he was evidently des- 
tined to the high work which he so gloriously 
accomplished. 

It is our design, however, principally to 
refer to the evidences of genuine religion 
which were manifested in his military career. 



16 Washington a Christian, 

In one of his proclamations he says, "The 
General hopes and trusts that every officer and 
man will endeavour so to live and act, as be- 
comes a Christian soldier defending the rights 
and liberties of his country." "A Christian 
Soldier" — what he desired in others he cer- 
tainly exhibited himself. He frequently refers 
in his letters and reports to a Divine provi- 
dence, even in events where many Christians 
would fail to notice the hand of heaven. "We 
should have been," he says, when on his first 
expedition, then but twenty-three years old, 
" we should have been four days without pro- 
visions if Providence had not sent a trader from 
the Ohio to our relief." "By the all-poioerful 
dispensations of Providence,^^ he says, when 
giving an account of Braddock's defeat, "I 
have been protected beyond all human proba- 
bility or expectation; for I had four bullets 
through my coat, and two horses shot under 
me, yet escaped unhurt, while death was level- 
ling my companions on every side of me." "I 
trust that Divine Providence," he says again, 
" which wisely orders the affairs of men, will 
enable us to discharge our duty with fidelity 



Washington a Christian, 17 

and success." In his reply to a congratulatory 
address on the evacuation of Boston, he de- 
clares that the happy result " must be ascribed 
to the interposition of that Providence which 
has manifestly appeared in our behalf through 
the whole of this important struggle, as well as 
to the measures pursued for bringing about the 
happy event." And he adds, "May that Being 
who is powerful to save, and in whose hands is 
the fate of nations, look down with an eye of 
tender pity and compassion on these United 
Colonies. May He continue to smile upon 
their councils and arms, and crown them with 
success whilst employed in the cause of virtue 
and mankind." On receiving information of 
the surrender of Burgoyne he writes to his 
brother in reference to " this signal stroke of 
Providence." In another letter, alluding to the 
sufferings of our army at Valley Forge, he says, 
"To paint the distress and perilous situation of 
this army in the course of last winter, for the 
want of clothes, provisions, and almost every 
other necessary essential to the well-being, I 
may say, existence, of an army, would require 
more time, and an abler pen than mine. Nor 
2* 



18 Washington a Christian. 

since our prospects have so miraculously bright- 
ened, shall I attempt it, or even bear it in re- 
membrance, further than as a memento of what 
is due to the Great Author of all the care and 
goodness that have been extended in relieving 
us." In another private letter, he says, " The 
hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in 
all this, that he must be worse than an infidel 
that lacRs faith, and more than wicked, that has 
not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obli- 
gations." 

Referring to the condition of public affairs 
in 1778, when he had gone to Philadelphia to 
consult with Congress on the plan of the 
campaign for the next year, he says, "If I was 
called on to draw a picture of the times and of 
men, from what I have seen, heard, and in part 
know, I should, in one word, say, that idleness, 
dissipation and extravagance seem to have laid 
fast hold of most of them ; that speculation, 
peculation, and an insatiable thirst for riches, 
seem to have gotten the better of every other 
consideration, and almost every body of men ; 
that party disputes and personal quarrels are 
the great business of the day; while the 



Washington a Christian. 19 

momentous concerns of an empire, a great and 
accumulating debt, ruined finances, depreciated 
money, and want of credit, which in its conse- 
quences is the want of everything, are but 
secondary considerations, and postponed from 
day to day, from week to w^eek, as if our affairs 
wore the most promising aspect. I again 
repeat to you, that this is not an exaggerated 
account. That it is an alarming one, I do not 
deny. And I confess to you that I feel more 
real distress on account of the present appear- 
ances of things, than I have done at any one time 
since the commencement of the dispute. But it 
is time to bid you adieu. Providence has here- 
tofore taken us up when all other means and 
hopes seemed to he departing from us. In this I 
will confide'^ In a "Circular to the States," 
dated Philadelphia, January 31, 1782, he says, 
"Although we cannot by the best concerted 
plans absolutely command success, although 
the race is not always to the swift nor the 
battle to the strong, yet without presumptu- 
ously waiting for miracles to be wrought in our 
favour, it is an indispensable duty, with the 
deepest gratitude to Heaven for the past, and 



20 Washington a Ohristian. 

humble confidence in its smiles on our future 
operations, to make use of all the means in our 
power for our defence and security." In his 
farewell address to the army, he says, "the 
singular interpositions of Providence in our 
feeble condition were such as could scarcely 
escape the attention of the most unobserving, 
while the unparalleled perseverance of the 
armies of the United States, through almost 
every possible suffering and discouragement, for 
the space of eight long years, was little short of 
a standing miracle." " And being now about " 
he adds, "to conclude these his last public 
orders, to take his ultimate leave in a short 
time of the military character, and to bid a final 
adieu to the armies he has so long had the 
honour to command, he can only again offer in 
their behalf his recommendations to their 
grateful country, and his prayers to the God of 
armies. May ample justice be done them here, 
and may the choicest of Heaven's blessings, 
both here and hereafter, attend those who under 
the Divine auspices have secured innumerable 
blessings for others. With these wishes and 
this benediction, the Commander-in-Chief is 



Washington a Christian. 21 

about to retire from service. The curtain of 
separation will soon be drawn, and the military 
scene to him will be closed for ever." In his 
address to Congress on his resigning his 
commission, he says, "The successful termina- 
tion of the war has verified the most sanguine 
expectations, and my gratitude for the inter- 
position of Providence, and the assistance I 
have received from my countrymen, increases 
with my review of the momentous contest. I 
consider it an indispensable duty to close this 
last solemn act of my official life, by commend- 
ing the interests of our dearest country to the 
protection of Almighty God, and those who 
have the superintendence of them to His holy 
keeping." 

It was not only however in regard to cir- 
cumstances of a more important nature, as 
afiecting the destiny of a nation, that we find 
this reverential regard for a Higher Power. 
We find the same spirit manifested when he 
refers to the loss of a tenant's grain by the 
Hessian fly, which he terms " an act of Provi- 
deuce" and regards as a reason for abating 
rent. "When a change in the weather pre- 



22 Washington a PJiristian. 

vented an attack by the enemy, he expresses 
his gratitude to heaven that " much blood was 
saved," and says, "that this most remarkable 
interposition of Providence is for some wise 
purpose, I have not a doubt." He notices that 
it was a ^^ peculiar mark of Providence" that the 
grain was not ripe enough to take fire. 

Such language as this, found not in public 
documents alone, but in the confidential letters 
meant to be read by none except the person to 
whom they were addressed, indicates the tenor 
of his mind. It was not the language of 
afiectation or cant^ from which one so unosten- 
tatious and truthful as Washington was severely 
free. It is the evidence of a controlling reli- 
gious sense of the presence and the power of 
the great God, whom he honoured, loved, and 
served. 

*' Happy the man who sees a God confessed 
In all events which chequer life." 
"Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall 
understand the loving kindness of the Lord." Psalm cvii. 43. 

But this acknowledgment of a superintend- 
ing Power was not of that indefinite and 
vague nature which we find the heathen or 



Washington a Christian, 23 

the infidel sometimes making. The Provi- 
dence which Washington recognised, honoured, 
and trusted, was with him but a reverential 
name for the God revealed in the Holy Bible — 
"the great God our Saviour." In his address 
to each of the Governors of the several States, 
dated June 8, 1783, he speaks of "-'the pure 
and benign light of Revelation,^^ and states most 
distinctly his belief of the heavenly origin 
of our holy religion, and the Deity of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. His language is — "It is my 
most earnest prayer that God would have you, 
and the State over which you preside, in his 
holy protection; that he would incline the 
hearts of the citizens to cultivate the spirit of 
subordination and obedience to government; 
and finally, that He would be most graciously 
pleased to dispose us all to 'do justice, to love 
mercy,' and to demean ourselves with that 
charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, 
which were the characteristics of the Divine 
Author of our blessed religion; without an 
humble imitation of whose example in these 
things we can never hope to be a happy 
nation." 



24 Washington a ^Christian. 

But the piety of Washington was not merely 
of a theoretical or speculative character. It 
manifested itself in his attention to the duties 
of personal religion. He was a very regular 
attendant on the ordinances of religion, both 
when at his home and on the field. He was a 
vestryman in the Episcopal church in Alexan- 
dria, and while he resided at Mount Vernon, 
although nine miles distant, his seat was seldom 
empty. When the old church became so much 
dilapidated as to require the erection of an- 
other, he was actively engaged in the selection 
of a site, and the construction of the building. 
In this church he was a regular attendant. 
The Rev. Lee Massey, who was then rector of 
it, says: — "I never knew so constant an at- 
tendant on church as Washington, and his 
behaviour in the house of God was ever so 
deeply reverential that it produced the happiest 
effects on my congregation, and greatly assisted 
me in my pulpit labours. No company ever 
withheld him from church. I have often been 
at Mount Vernon on the Sabbath morning 
when his breakfast- table was filled with guests ; 
but to him they furnished no pretext for ne- 



WasJiington a Christian. 25 

glecting his God, and losing the satisfaction of 
setting a good example; for, instead of staying 
at home, out of false complaisance to them, he 
used constantly to invite them to accompany 
him." 

The day after he took command of the army 
he issued the following order: "The General 
requires and expects of all officers and soldiers 
not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attend- 
ance on divine service, to implore the blessings 
of Heaven upon the means used for our safety 
and defence." 

As circumstances sometimes prevented the 
performance of worship in the camp on the 
Sabbath, he never failed to ride out to some 
neighbouring church to join those who were 
publicly worshipping the great Creator. 

We may here advert to the gratifying cir- 
cumstance, that the institutions of our holy 
religion are treated with respect by our govern- 
ment in all its departments during the present 
struggle with rebellion. Especially is it pleas- 
ing to find the brave and skilful soldier at the 
head of our armies manifesting his regard for 
the Sabbath of the Lord. In a recent procla- 
3 



26 WasJdngton a Cliristian. 

• 

matioii he says: "The Major-General com- 
manding desires and requests that in future 
there may be a more perfect respect for the 
Sabbath on the part of his command. We are 
fighting in a holy cause, and should endeavour 
to deserve the benign favour of the Creator. 
Unless in case of an attack by the enemy, or 
some other extreme military necessity, it is 
commended to the commanding officers that all 
work shall be suspended on the Sabbath; that 
no unnecessary movements shall be made on 
that day; that the men shall, as far as possible, 
be permitted to rest from their labours; that 
they shall attend divine service after the cus- 
tomary Sunday morning inspection, and that 
the officers and men alike use their influence 
to insure the utmost decorum and quiet on 
that day. The General commanding regards 
this as no idle form. One day's rest in seven 
is necessary for man and animals. More than 
this, the observance of the holy day of the God 
of mercy and of battles is our sacred duty."* 

It is a well substantiated fact that Washing- 
ton was in the habit of participating in the 

* See Appendix. 



Washington a Christian. 27 

sacrament of the Lord's Supper when he had 
opportunity. He was a regular communicant 
in the Episcopal church which he attended at 
Alexandria. On one occasion, when the Ameri- 
can army was in the neighbourhood of Morris- 
town, New Jersey, the Eucharist was to be 
dispensed in the Presbyterian church in that 
place. Washington having become informed 
of this, addressed the pastor of the church, the 
Rev. Dr. Johnes, inquiring whether he might 
be allowed to participate, being a member of 
the Episcopal Church. The reply was, that 
the sacred ordinance he desired to enjoy, was 
not the Presbyterian supper — nor the Baptist 
supper, nor the Episcopalian supper, but the 
Lord's Supper, and that he was welcome. Ac- 
cordingly he accepted the privilege which he 
prized so much. 

Washington, however, did not neglect the 
private duties of a religious life. He was a 
man of prayer; and herein especially, we doubt 
not, was the secret of his power. By that won- 
derful instrumentality, through which Heaven 
communicates so many blessings to the sincere 
and earnest, his heart was strengthened, his 



28 Washington a Christian. 

intellectual powers were refreshed and invigo- 
rated: and with a calm, firm, self-controlling 
spirit, he was enabled to use rightly all his 
resources. One of the officers of his body- 
guard mentions, that once despatches were 
received about day-break, which he was to 
communicate at once to the Commander-in- 
chief. On passing through a narrow entry to 
his apartment, he heard a suppressed and earn- 
est voice; and, on pausing, he found that 
General Washington was engaged in prayer. 
Another officer says, that on a sudden entrance 
into his tent, he had repeatedly found him on 
his knees. 

At the Valley Forge encampment there was 
a grove to which he frequently retired for 
prayer. On one occasion, while he was thus 
engaged, a person who was unfriendly to our 
cause was riding along; and hearing the whis- 
pering sound in the bushes, he paused, and 
approaching nearer as quietly as possible, he 
heard the words of prayer, and saw that the 
speaker was Washington. Withdrawing unob- 
served, he returned to his own home, and 
assembling his family, mentioned what had 



Washington a Christian. 29 

occurred, and declared his determination to 
assist the American cause ; as he was satisfied 
now, that a cause led by such a man, and sus- 
tained in such a way, must succeed. We have 
heard the incident just related from the lips of 
the late venerable Dr. N. R. Snowden, who was 
informed of it by the person himself.* 

The personal piety of Washington rendered 
him desirous to promote the religious ivelfare of 
all his soldiers. We find, when he was yet a 
young ofiicer, in 1754, at Fort Necessity, it 

* We have received the following note on this subject from the 
Hon. J. R. Snowden, son of Rev. Dr. Snowden: 

Philadelphia, February 28, 1862. 

My Dear Sir — Referring to your request, I have to say that I 
cannot lay my hands at present upon my father's papers. I recol- 
lect that among his manuscript "Reminiscences," was a statement 
of his interview with Mr. Potts, a Friend, near Valley Forge, who 
pointed out to him the spot where he saw General Washington at 
prayer, in the winter of 1777. This event induced Friend Potts to 
become a Whig; and he told his wife Betty, that the cause of 
America was a good cause, and would prevail, and that they must 
now support it Mr. Weems, in his "Life of Washington," men- 
tions this incident a little differently ; but my father had it from 
Mr. Potts personally, and the statement herein made may there- 
fore be relied on as accurate. 

1 am, with great regard, yours truly, 

James Ross Snowden. 

Rev. T. W. J. Wylie, D. D. 

3* 



30 Washington a Christian, 

was his custom to have prayers in his camp. 
When General Braddock was buried, after his 
disastrous defeat, Washington read the funeral 
service over his remains, by the light of a torch. 
What a subject for the artist's pencil! One of 
his aids, referring to that period, says, that 
"frequently he knew Colonel Washington to 
perform divine service with his regiment, read- 
ing the Scriptures with them, and praying with 
them, when no chaplain could be had." Re- 
peated and very urgent application was made 
to the governor to allow a chaplain, the officers 
proposing to support him at their private ex- 
pense. When a chaplain was appointed, he 
expressed himself thus: "The last Assembly, 
in their supply-bill, provided a chaplain to our 
regiment. On this subject I had often, without 
any success, applied to Governor Dinwiddle. I 
now flatter myself that your honour will be 
pleased to appoint a sober, serious man for this 
duty. Common decency, sir, in a camp, calls 
for the services of a divine, which ought not to 
be dispensed with, although the world should 
be so uncharitable as to think us void of reli- 
gion, and incapable of good instruction." 



Washington a Christian. 81 

When he was raised to the chief command 
in the war of the Eevolution, we find him 
expressing, on several occasions, his apprecia- 
tion of the value of the services of the ministers 
of the gospel. Addressing Congress, he says, 
"I have long had it on my mind to mention to 
Congress, that frequent applications have been 
made to me respecting chaplains' pay, which is 
too small to encourage men of abilities. Some 
of them who have left their flocks are obliged 
to pay the person acting for them more than 
they receive. I need not point out the great 
utility of gentlemen whose lives and conversa- 
tion are unexceptionable, being employed for 
that service in the army. I beg leave to re- 
commend this matter to Congress, whose sen- 
timents herein I shall impatiently expect." 
When Congress had allowed a chaplain for 
each regiment, he issued an order that the per- 
sons so engaged should be "persons of good 
character and exemplary lives, and that all in- 
ferior officers and soldiers should pay them 
suitable respect." The day after he assumed 
command of the army, he issued an order, in 
which he says, "The General requires and 



32 Washington a QJ^ristian. 

expects of all officers and soldiers not engaged 
on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine 
service, to implore the blessing of Heaven on 
the measures used for our safety and defence." 
On the 3d of August we find the following: 
" That the troops may have an opportunity of 
attending public worship, as well as of taking 
some rest after the great fatigue they have 
gone through, the General in future excuses 
them from fatigue-duty on Sunday, except at 
shipyards and on special occasions, till further 
orders." So desirous was he that the exercises 
of religion should not be neglected, that we 
find him issuing the following order: "The 
situation of the army frequently not admitting 
the regular performance of divine service on 
Sundays, the chaplains of the army are forth- 
with to meet together and agree on some 
method of performing it at other times^ which 
method they will make known to the Com- 
mander-in-chief ' ' 

His own character being remarkably pure, 
it was to be expected that he would be careful 
to promote the good morals of his soldiers. 
Profanity^ gambling^ drunkenness^ those dreadful 



Washington a Christian, 33 

evils of the camp, he most severely reprobated. 
On his first campaign, then but twenty-four 
years old, he thus expresses himself in a letter 
to an inferior officer: "The Governor seems 
uneasy at what gives me much concern, 
namely, that gaming is introduced into the 
camp. I am ordered to discourage it, and 
must desire that you will intimate the same." 
In a letter to the Governor, he says, "I have 
both by threats and persuasive means endea- 
voured to discountenance gaming^ drinking^ 
swearing^ and irregularities of every other kind; 
while I have, on the other hand, practised 
every artifice to inspire a laudable emulation 
in the officers for the service of their country, 
and to encourage the soldiers in the unceasing 
exercise of their duty." When at Fort Cum- 
berland, he issued the following orders : 
"Colonel Washington has observed that the 
men of his regiment are very profane and 
reprobate. He takes this opportunity to in- 
form them of his great displeasure at such 
practices, and assures them that if they do not 
leave them off, they shall be severely punished. 
The officers are desired if they hear any man 



34 Washington a Christian. 

swear or make use of an oath or execration, to 
order the offender twenty-five lashes immedi- 
ately, without a court-martial. For the second 
offence he will be more severely punished." 
In his first order to the Revolutionary army, he 
says, " The General most earnestly requires 
and expects a due observance of those Arti- 
cles of War, established for the government 
of the army, which forbid profane cursing, 
swearing, and drunkenness." On the 26th 
of February, 1776, he issued the following 
order: "All officers, non-commissioned officers, 
and soldiers, are positively forbid playing at 
cards and other games of chance. At this time 
of public distress men may find enough to do 
in the service of their God and their country, 
without abandoning themselves to vice and 
immorality." On the 30th of August, the fol- 
lowing order was issued: "The General is sorry 
to be informed that the foolish and wicked 
practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice 
heretofore little known in an American army, 
is growing into fashion ; he hopes the officers 
will, by example as well as infiuence, endea- 
vour to check it; and that both they and the 
men will reflect that we can have little hope of 



Washington a Christian, 85 

the blessing of Heaven on our arms if we insult 
it by our impiety and folly. Added to this, 
it is a vice so mean and lovr, without any temp- 
tation, every man of sense and character de- 
tests and despises it." May 26th, 1777, are 
the following instructions: "Let vice and im- 
morality of every kind be discouraged as much 
as possible; gaming of every kind is expressly 
forbidden, as being the foundation of evil, and 
the cause of many a brave and gallant officer's 
ruin. Games of exercise for amusement may 
not only be permitted, but encouraged." 

While thus decidedly opposed to all immoral 
conduct, and himself a strict observer of the 
duties of religion, Washington was no bigot or 
fanatic ; he recognised and respected the con- 
scientious views and rights of others. Thus 
we find when expressing himself in a private 
letter, in 1775, to Arnold, then about to invade 
Canada, he refers to the propriety of treating 
with respect the religious views of the inhabi- 
tants, who were generally lloman Catholics. 
" Prudence, policy, and a true Christian spirit^^^ 
he says, "will lead us to look with compassion 
on their errors without insulting them. While 



36 Washington a Qhristian. 

we are contending for our own liberty, we 
should be very cautious not to violate the 
rights of conscience in others, ever considering 
that God alone is the judge of the hearts of 
men, and to Him only in this case are they 
answerable." 

It has sometimes been supposed from his 
reserved manner and dignified bearing, that 
Washington was not a man of warm or benev- 
olent affections. It is injustice to him to 
suppose that this was so. There was a deep 
and full fountain of kindness which, like all 
his dispositions, was under rigid and judicious 
control, but it frequently manifested itself in 
the various social relations of life. As a son, a 
brother, a husband, a friend, a neighbour, he 
was careful not merely to avoid inflicting pain, 
but systematically, yet unostentatiously, he 
endeavoured to make others happy. Extremely 
averse as he was to anything which seemed to 
court applause, this feature of his character 
appears only incidentally, and probably many 
who were the recipients of his kindness 
never knew who was their benefactor. A 
former Governor of Maryland mentions that 



Washington a Christian. 37 

he received the following account from the 
person who witnessed the fact. When a 
visitor at the Springs, he obtained lodgings 
with a baker, and observing that among others 
who came daily to his shop for bread, there 
were several poor and sickly looking persons, 
who took each a loaf of bread and at his nod 
departed without paying for it, he inquired the 
reason. The baker informed him that Colonel 
Washington,- who was at the Springs, had 
directed him to supply these people with bread, 
and charge it to his account. The persons who 
received this kind relief were not aware from 
whom it came, as Washington desired that his 
name should not be mentioned. The bill some- 
times amounted to eighty dollars. 

In the same way we find that after he 
had left home to take command of the army 
at Boston, although the pressure of public 
cares was so great, he remembered the poor. 
Writing to his Manager he says, under date of 
Cambridge, November 26, 1775, "Let the hos- 
pitality of the house with respect to the poor 
be kept up. Let no one go hungry away. If 
any should be in want of corn, supply their 
4 



38 Wasliington a Christian. 

necessities, provided it does not encourage them 
in idleness; and I have no objection to your 
giving away money in charity to the amount 
of forty or fifty pounds a year, when you think 
it well bestowed. What I mean by having no 
objection, is, that it is my desire that it should 
be done. You are to consider that neither my 
wife nor myself is now in the way to do these 
good offices. In all other respects, I recom- 
mend it to you, and have no doubt of your 
observing the greatest economy and frugality, 
as I suppose you know that I do not get a 
farthing for my services here, more than my 
expenses. It becomes necessary for me there- 
fore to be saving at home." He was in the 
habit, it appears, of having a corn-house filled 
every year for the sole use of the poor, who 
were also allowed to fish at stations belonging 
to him on the Potomac, his own labourers 
assisting in hauling their nets, when it was 
required. 

In his social manners, Washington main- 
tained great dignity of demeanour, so that few 
observed him, even transiently, without being 
impressed with the consciousness that they 



Washington a Christian, 39 

beheld a great man. Yet he enjoyed a joke, 
and could laugh heartily when he considered it 
not unbecoming. At the same time he was 
kind and unassuming; and even those who 
would have been received by others with si- 
lence or a repulse, met with courteous atten- 
tion from him. On one occasion he was 
observed to return the bow of a coloured man 
very politely, and when surprise was expressed, 
he remarked that he desired that no one should 
exceed him in good manners. When Phillis 
Wheatly, the coloured poetess, sent him a copy 
of her effusions, he replied to her in the fol- 
lowing letter. 

" Cambridge, February 28, 1776. 

''Miss PhiUis—Yom favour of the 26th Oc- 
tober did not reach my hands till the middle 
of December. Time enough, you will say, to 
have given an answer ere this. Granted. 
But a variety of important occurrences contin- 
ually interposing to distract the mind and with- 
draw the attention, I hope will apologize for 
the delay, and plead my excuse for the seem- 
ing, but not real neglect. I thank you most 
sincerely for your polite notice of me in the 



40 Washington a Christian. 

elegant lines you enclosed; and however unde- 
serving I may be of such encomium and pane- 
gyric, the style and manner exhibit a striking 
proof of your poetical talents — in honour of 
which, and as a tribute justly due to you, I 
would have published the poem, had I not been 
apprehensive that, while I only meant to give 
the world this new instance of your genius, I 
might have incurred the imputation of great 
vanity. This, and nothing else, determined 
me not to give it place in the public prints. 

"If you should ever come to Cambridge, or 
near headquarters, I shall be happy to see a 
person so favoured by the Muses, and to whom 
nature has been so liberal and beneficent in 
her dispensations. 

"I am, with great respect, your obedient, 
humble servant, George Washington." 

He was constitutionally unobtrusive, and the 
reserve which sometimes was regarded as re- 
pulsive, arose in a great measure from his 
native modesty. On his return from the Ohio, 
in the beginning of his military career, having 
delivered his report to the Governor, he went 



Washington a Christian, 41 

to the House of Burgesses, expecting to be an 

unnoticed spectator of their proceedings. Some 

one observing him, moved "that the thanks of 

the House be given to Major Washington, 

who now sits in the gallery, for the gallant 

manner in which he executed the important 

trust lately reposed in him by his Excellency 

Governor Dinwiddle." This was carried by 

acclamation; and as the Speaker proceeded to 

discharge the resolution, the whole assembly 

rose. Washington in vain attempted to reply; 

and at length the Speaker relieved him of his 

uncontrollable embarrassment, by saying, "Sit 

down. Major Washington; your modesty alone 

is equal to your merit." 

In the same spirit we find him, in early life, 

refusing the chief command of the Virginia 

forces, to which it was proposed to raise him, 

although so very young. "The command of 

the whole force," he says, "is what I neither 

look for, expect, or desire; for I am impartial 

enough to confess it is a charge too great for 

my youth and inexperience to be entrusted 

with. Knowing this, I have too sincere a love 

for my country to undertake that which may 
4* 



42 Washington a Christian. 

tend to her prejudice. But, if I could enter- 
tain hopes that you thought me worthy of the 
post of Lieutenant-Colonel, and would favour 
me so far as to mention it at the appointment 
of officers, I could not but entertain a true 
sense of the kindness." — "Before honour goes 
humility." 

Washington was remarkable for his physical 
strength, in which he excelled almost all with 
whom there was an opportunity for compari- 
son; and his natural courage was proved by 
his gallant bearing on the battle-field both in 
earlier and later years. He possessed, however, 
the moral heroism which enabled him to brave 
suspicion or scorn, when he felt that he was 
doing right. His great desire throughout life 
seems to have been to "have a good con- 
science," and to "please God." Thus we find 
him able to make an ingenuous acknowledg- 
ment of a fault, and to decline and discourage 
the "code of honour,^' "falsely so called," which 
has led so many, who feared the sneers of a 
fellow- man more than the condemnation of 
Heaven, to throw away their lives in the bar- 
barous duel, and thus "die as the fool dieth." 



Washington a Christian. 43 

When but twenty-two years old, he was sta- 
tioned at Alexandria, as Colonel of a Virginia 
regiment. Being warmly interested in the 
success of a friend who was a candidate for the 
House of Burgesses, he came into collision with 
a Mr. Payne, an enthusiastic partisan of the 
opposing candidate. Washington having used 
some offensive language, Payne struck him 
with so much violence that the blow knocked 
him down. The occurrence produced great 
excitement, and it was naturally expected by 
the officers and soldiers, as well as others, that 
Washington would resent the indignity by a 
challenge. Having retired to his lodgings, he 
addressed a note to Payne, in which he re- 
quested a personal interview the next morning. 
But, when the meeting occurred, Washington, 
with a courage far greater than would have 
been shown by a deadly combat, apologized for 
having used improper language, and begged 
pardon of the man who had knocked him 
down. It is not surprising that such magna- 
nimity from a person whose courage had been so 
well tried, and who had, though still so young, 
received the public thanks of his fellow-citizens 



44 Washington a Christian. 

for his military skill and daring, and who was 
confessedly the first soldier in Virginia, should 
have overwhelmed his antagonist, and made 
him ever after one of Washington's most ardent 
admirers and most aifectionate friends. 

In the same spirit we find him refusing to 
allow Lafayette to fight a duel with a British 
nobleman, whom the chivalrous young French- 
man supposed to have insulted his country. 
Washington says: "I omitted neither serious 
reasoning nor pleasantry to divert him from 
the scheme." Addressing Lafayette himself, he 
says: "The generous spirit of chivalry, ex- 
ploded by the rest of the world, finds a refuge, 
my dear friend, in the sensibility of your 
nation only. But it is in vain to cherish it, 
unless you can find antagonists to support it ; 
and however well adapted it may have been to 
the times in which it existed, in our day, it is 
to be feared, that your opponent, sheltering 
himself behind modern opinions, and under his 
present character of commissioner, would turn 
a virtue of such ancient date into ridicule. 
Besides, suppose his lordship accepted your 
terms, experience has proved that chance is 



Washington a Christian. 45 

often as much concerned in deciding these 
matters as bravery ; and always more than the 
justice of the cause. I would not, therefore, 
have yom* life by the remotest possibility ex- 
posed, when it may be reserved for so many 
greater occasions." 

Another incident will show the kindness of 
his disposition, and the delicacy with which he 
conferred a favour. Writing to a person who 
lived in his neighbourhood, he says, "Having 
once or twice, of late, heard you speak highly 
of the New Jersey College, as if you had a 
desire of sending your son William there, 
(who, I am told, is a youth fond of study and 
instruction, and disposed to a studious life, in 
following which he may not only promote his 
own happiness, but the future welfare of others,) 
I should be glad, if you have no other objection 
to it than the expense, if you would send him 
to that college as soon as convenient, and de- 
pend on me for twenty-five pounds a year for 
his support, as long as it may be necessary for 
the completion of his education. If I live to 
see the accomplishment of this term, the sum 
here stipulated shall be annually paid, and if I 



46 Washington a tChristian, 

die in the meantime, this letter shall be obli- 
gatory upon my heirs or executors to do it, 
according to the true meaning and intent here- 
of. No other return is expected or wished for 
this offer, than that you will accept it with the 
same freedom and good-will with which it is 
made, and that you may not even consider it in 
the light of an obligation, or mention it as 
such ; for, be assured, from me it will never be 
known." 

The same traits which we may observe while 
he was in the camp, adorned his character 
ivhile he occupied the Presidential chair. We 
find the same recognition of a superintend- 
ing Providence, and the same acknowledgment 
of a Divine Being. In his Inaugural Address 
as President, he says, " No people can be bound 
to acknowledge and adore the invisible Hand 
which conducts the affairs of men, more than 
the people of the United States. Every step 
by which they have advanced to the character 
of an independent nation, seems to have been 
distinguished by some token of providential 
agency;" — and in the close, he adds, "I shall 
take my present leave, but not without resort- 



Washingtoyi a Christian. 47 

ing once more to the benign Parent of the 
human race in humble supphca.tion, that since 
he has been pleased to favour the American 
people with opportunities for deliberating in 
perfect tranquillity, and disposition for de- 
ciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form 
of government for the securing of their Union, 
and the advancement of their happiness, so 
this divine blessing may be equally conspicu- 
ous in the enlarged views, the temperate con- 
sultations, and the wise measures on which 
the success of this government must depend." 
In his reply to an address from the clergymen 
of Philadelphia, when he was about to retire 
fro m office, he uses the following language : 
" Believing, as I do, that religion and morality 
are the essential pillars of civil society, I view 
with unspeakable pleasure that harmony and 
brotherly love which characterize the clergy of 
different denominations, as well in this as in 
other parts of the United States; exhibiting 
to the world a new and interesting spectacle, 
at once the pride of our country and the surest 
basis of universal harmony. That your labours 
may be crowned with success, that your tem- 



48 Wasldngton a Christian. 

poral enjoyments may be commensurate with 
your merits, and that the future reward of good 
and faithful servants may be yours, I shall not 
cease to supplicate the Divine Author of life 
and felicity." 

We may observe, also, that the absorbing 
cares of his high station were not allowed to 
interfere with his attention to the public and 
private duties of religion. He was a regular 
attendant at church every Sabbath; and a part 
of the pew which he statedly occupied in Christ 
Church is preserved as a valuable relic in the 
Hall of Independence. No visitors were re- 
ceived at his house on the Sabbath, with the 
exception of one congenial friend, Mr. Trum- 
bull, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
eminent for his religious character, who some- 
times spent an hour with him. It was his 
habit to read a sermon, or some portion of the 
Scriptures, along with Mrs. Washington, on the 
Sabbath evening. 

He generally retired to his study at a certain 
hour every night, taking a candle, and carefully 
closing the door. Youthful curiosity once led 
his nephew, Robert Lewis, while living in the 



Washington a Christian. 49 

house, to peep into the room; and he observed 
that Washington was on his knees, with the 
Bible open on a small stand before him. He 
generally rose about four o'clock, and spent 
some time in his library, in private devotion, 
as was supposed. It was, no doubt, by the 
prayerful study of the word of God, that he 
formed a character so remarkable for harmoni- 
ous excellence, in which we find courage with- 
out rashness, promptness without precipitance, 
firmness without obstinacy, gentleness without 
weakness, generosity without prodigality, dig- 
nity without pride, religion without hypocrisy. 
He was in the habit of asking the divine 
blessing at his table, although, when a minister 
of the gospel was present, he requested him 
to ofiiciate. The late venerable Dr. Green, 
who was one of the chaplains of Congress 
during his administration, mentions, " that the 
place of the chaplain was directly opposite to 
the President. The company stood while the 
blessing was asked ; and on a certain occasion, 
the President's mind was probably occupied 
with some interesting concern, when, on going 
5 



50 WasJiiyigton a CJiristicm. 

• 

to the table, he began to ask the blessing himself. 
He uttered but a word or two, when, bowing to 
me," says Dr. Green, "he requested me to pro- 
ceed, which I accordingly did. I mention this," 
he continues, "because it shows that President 
Washington always asked a blessing himself, 
when a chaplain was not present." 

His various proclamations and messages, 
during his presidential term, all indicate the 
same regard for religion which was the ruling 
element of his exalted character. 

In view of the termination of his service as 
President, and his retirement to private life, he 
gives in his Farewell Address the mature coun- 
sels of the philanthropist, the patriot, the Chris- 
tian. In one place he observes: "Of all the 
dispositions and habits which lead to politi- 
cal prosperity, religion and morality are indis- 
pensable supports. In vain would that man 
claim the tribute of patriotism, who should 
labour to subvert these great pillars of human 
happiness, these firmest props of the duties of 
men and citizens. The mere politician, equally 
with the pious man, ought to respect and che- 
rish them. A volume could not trace all their 



WashingUni a Christian. 61 

connections with private and public felicity. 
Let it simply be asked, Where is the security 
for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense 
of religious obligation desert the oaths which 
are the instruments of investigation in courts 
of justice'? And let us with caution indulge 
the supposition that morality can be maintained 
without religion. Whatever may be conceded 
to the influence of refined education on minds 
of peculiar structure, reason and experience 
both forbid us to expect, that national morality 
can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. 
It is substantially true, that virtue or mo- 
rality is a necessary spring of popular govern- 
ment. The rule, indeed, extends with more or 
less force to every species of free government. 
Who, that is a sincere friend to it, can look 
with indifi'erence upon attempts to shake the 
foundation of the fabric T' 

With natural endowments not by any means 
remarkable for brilliancy, it was thus he at- 
tained a position so preeminent among "men 
of renown." No profane language, no low 
jest, no scurrilous conversation was allowed in 
his presence. Beyond almost any other man, 



52 Washington a Christian. 

• 

he realized the desire of the Psalmist king, 
when he says, '' I will behave myself wisely in 
a perfect way. O when wilt Thou come unto 
me'? I will walk within my house with a per- 
fect heart. I will set no wicked thing before 
mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn 
aside ; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart 
shall depart from me; I will not know a wicked 
person. Whoso privily slandereth his neigh- 
bour, him will I cut off; him that hath a high 
look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine 
eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that 
they may dwell with me; he that walketh in a 
perfect way, he shall serve me. He that 
worketh deceit shall not dwell in my house; 
he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my 
sight." 

We may notice, too, the same tmostentatioiis 
benevolence. Among other incidents which 
show this, we mention the following: While 
he was strict in requiring from his tenants the 
punctual payment of their rents, he was always 
ready to remit what they owed, and even to 
give them help, when some "providential 
stroke," as he termed it, had rendered them 



Washington a Christian, 63 

unable to pay. On one occasion his agent 
brought an action against a person who owed 
him a thousand pounds, and the debtor was 
arrested and confined in jail. It was sug- 
gested to the unhappy man that probably 
Washington, at that time in Philadelphia, was 
not aware of the circumstances, and that it 
would be of advantage to inform him. This 
was done, and the next mail brought an order 
for his immediate release, and a reprimand to 
the agent for having acted so harshly. Some 
years afterwards the released debtor was en- 
abled to pay his obligation, and brought both 
principal and interest to Washington. He w^as 
reminded that the debt had been cancelled, 
but he replied that while he felt under an 
obligation of gratitude he never could remove, 
he begged Washington to accept of the amount 
justly due to him. Washington consented to 
do so, and then immediately divided it among 
the poor man's children. 

But we pass to the closing scenes of his 

illustrious life; and as we contemplate the 

Sage in the retirement of his delightful and 

desired home, we find the Christian still. Al- 

5* 



54 Washington a Christian, 

though he valued much the good opinions of 
his countrymen, yet he was singularly free 
from any desire of personal aggrandizement. 
"How pitiful," he says in one of his letters, 
"in the eye of reason and religion, is that false 
ambition which desolates the world wdth fire 
and sword for the purposes of conquest and 
fame, compared to the milder virtues of making 
our neighbours and our fellow-men as happy 
as their frail condition and perishable natures 
will permit them to be." It was with reluct- 
ance he assumed the responsibilities of public 
duty, and he did so only because his country 
required it. He preferred immeasurably the 
quiet pursuits of rural life. "The more I am 
acquainted with agricultural aifairs, the better 
I am pleased with them; insomuch that I can 
nowhere find so great satisfaction as in these 
innocent and delightful pursuits. In indulging 
these feelings, I am led to reflect how much 
more delightful to an undebauched mind is 
the task of making improvements on the earth, 
than all the vain glory which can be acquired 
by ravaging it by the most uninterrupted career 
of conquests." When he had completed his 



Washington a Christian, 55 

second term as President, he said it was his 
determination " that no consideration under 
heaven, which he could foresee, would again 
withdraw him from the walks of private life." 

At Mount Vernon we find Washington the 
same punctual observer of the obligations of a 
religious life, attending on the ordinances of 
the sanctuary, and worshipping God in his 
own house. His adopted daughter mentions, 
that when her aunt, Miss Custis, was dying 
at Mount Vernon, Washington knelt at the 
bedside, and prayed most fervently and affect- 
ingly. His benevolence was still large, and 
without display; his heart still warm with 
noble emotions; and his clear, vigorous intel- 
lect still devising plans of usefulness. How 
different his retirement from the seclusion of 
a Diocletian, or a Charles V. ; the one retiring 
to a monastery when he found the throne he 
had occupied beginning to totter beneath him; 
the other carrying to his solitude remembrance 
of acts of cruelty and a life of blood. Wash- 
ington, while faithful still in his duties to his 
God, was not imconcerned in regard to the 
welfare of his country. Especially he mani- 



56 Washington a Christian, 

fested his true patriotism, as well as his unre- 
stricted philanthropy, by his solicitude for that 
unhappy class whose wrongs and woes a retri- 
butive Providence sooner or later must avenge, 
if not redressed. At this crisis in our country's 
life, it is gratifying indeed to find that Wash- 
ington was no friend to slavery. He thus ex- 
presses himself on this subject in a letter to 
Lafayette, who, inspired with the true princi- 
ples of liberty, had made arrangements to 
emancipate the slaves on an estate in one of 
the French colonies: "The benevolence of your 
heart," he says, "my dear Marquis, is so con- 
spicuous on all occasions, that I never wonder 
at fresh proofs of it ; but your late purchase of 
an estate in the colony of Cayenne, with a 
view of emancipating the slaves, is a generous 
and noble proof of your humanity. Would to 
God a like spirit might diffuse itself generally 
in the minds of the people of this country. '^'^ 
At another time he says to Robert Morris: 
"I hope it will not be conceived that it is my 
wish to hold the unhappy people who are the 
subject of this letter in slavery. I can only 
say there is not a man living who wishes more 



Washington a GJiristian. 57 

seriously than I do, to see a plan adopted for 
the abolition of it.^^ In a letter to General 
Mercer, he says: "/if is among my first wishes 
to see some plan adopted hy which slavery in this 
country may he abolished by law.^^ In his will 
he provides for the emancipation of all the 
slaves whom he held in his own right. "And 
whereas," he says, "among those who will 
receive their freedom, there may be some, who, 
from old age or bodily infirmities, and others 
who, on acconnt of their infancy, will be unable 
to support themselves, it is my will and desire 
that all who come under the first and second 
descriptions shall be comfortably fed and 
clothed by my heirs while they live; and that 
such of the latter description as have no pa- 
rents living, or if living, are unable or unwil- 
ling to provide for them, shall be bound by 
the court until they shall arrive at the age of 
twenty-five years." 

How happy for our country had the views 
of Washington and his contemporary patriots 
been realized. Consistent no less with politi- 
cal wisdom than with the dictates of humanity 
and the laws of Heaven, their accomplishment 



58 Washington a Christian. 

would have most probably prevented the con- 
flict of interests and sections which has dis- 
severed our land. Nor can we look for a har- 
monious and permanent re-establishment of our 
Union while the volcanic element remains. 
Were proper measures adopted to abolish 
slavery in all parts of our land, what source of 
danger could the patriot fear] Emancipating 
the slave we will emancipate ourselves. But 
let it not be by blood, or servile war, or force 
of arms, but by the triumph of the principles 
of rectitude and love which the gospel enjoins. 
Thus with the joyous acquiescence of all, 
" Liberty will be proclaimed throughout all our 
land to all the inhabitants thereof." 

Death was to Washington no unfamiliar 
subject of contemplation, and especially after 
his retirement he seemed to be waiting for 
his departure to a better world. Referring to 
some improvements he proposed to make, he 
observed to his nephew, that he intended first 
of all to remove the family vault to a more 
suitable location; for, he added, "I may need 
this change before the rest." 

The closing scenes of a life of so much pu- 



Washington a Christian. 69 

rity and benevolence were in correspondence 
with its whole general tenor. It has, indeed, 
often been observed, that even persons eminent 
for their piety have not manifested on the 
dying bed anything remarkable. "It is those 
who have not spoken for him before," said 
Whitefield, " that God requires to speak for 
him then. I shall die silent," he added. Wash- 
ington had spoken often and distinctly for God 
before, and the testimony of the death-bed was 
not requisite to manifest his religious faith 
and feeling. 

It is, indeed, to be regretted that those who 
were his immediate attendants at the time, were 
not congenial spirits on the subject of religion. 
While kind, judicious, and worthy of full con- 
fidence, they were not the persons to elicit or to 
record much on this subject, which, to the true 
Christian, is so full of interest. This may account 
for their silence in regard to it. Still we find the 
life-long habits of thought and action were not 
then renounced. There was the same self-posses- 
sion and fortitude, and severe pain produced no 
murmuring. There was the same kind'thought- 
fulness manifested, not only by grateful acknow- 



60 Washington a Christian. 

leclgments of the attentions of his physicians 
and other friends, but by his noticing that his 
faithful servant had been standing a long time, 
and desiring him to sit down. Some interest- 
ing circumstances are also mentioned by relia- 
ble authorities. The well-used Bible lay upon 
his bed, and when he felt that death was ap- 
proaching, he asked to be left alone for a short 
time, it is probable, for unrestrained devotion. 
"I should have been glad," he was heard to 
say, "had it pleased God, to die a little easier, 
but I doubt not it is for my good." With the 
utmost composure he closed his eyes, folded 
his arms on his breast, and saying, " Father 
of Mercies, take me to thyself," he shortly 
afterwards expired without a struggle or a 
sigh. 

Such was Washington, one of the saviours 
whom Heaven raised up for the deliverance of 
our land. There were others, too, whom we 
may well honour, and for whom we should 
never forget to be thankful; but there were 
none who attained the unrivalled greatness 
which he has gained. From what^ then, we 
may ask, did his preeminence arise? It was 



Washington a Christian* 61 

not from brilliant talents; not from circum- 
stances peculiarly favourable for the develop- 
ment of exalted qualities; not from. the influ- 
ence of the * associations into which he was 
thrown. Others have had all such advantages, 
and yet have not been Washingtons. Others, 
who had just the same opportunities for achiev- 
ing the same unblemished and undying fame, 
have not gained it. To what shall we ascribe 
the difference] We have no doubt it was 
owing to the strength of his religious principles. 
It was this which excited aspirations for a pure 
and exalted fame. It was this which preserved 
him from what was debasing to soul or body. 
It was this which strengthened him for action; 
which supported him in trial; which made his 
purpose so steady; his manner so kind, arid yet 
dignified; his whole course of action so upright. 
Because he was so good a man, he was so great. 
It was a full, firm faith in the divine Saviour 
which made him truly "a good man." This 
elevates man's character, by bringing the mind 
under the control of eternal realities, so that 
he lives and acts, not for the present world, 
6 



62 Washington a Christian. 

and its honours and pleasures, but to please 
God, to gain heaven. It is thus that the 
sinful, debasing, destructive tendencies of our 
fallen natures are counteracted, and finally 
completely conquered. It is thus that we 
have in our own hearts the consciousness of 
purity and rectitude, and are at peace with 
God. It is thus we may secure an imperisha- 
ble name, an everlasting remembrance, a crown 
of glory, that fadetli not away. Let us have 
Christ Jesus as our Saviour, and then glory, 
honour, immortality, eternal life will be ours. 
If there be among the leaders of our brave 
soldiers any who aspire to a name like that of 
Washington, let such reflect that the first, 
the noblest, the most efiicient element of his 
character was, that he was an humble., earnest 
Christian. 

In viewing the events of the period in which 
he lived, and thinking of the influence which he 
exerted on that age and on this, on his country 
then, and since upon the world, we feel that we 
may regard it proper to apply to him the lan- 
guage of our text, as one given by Heaven, to 



Washington a Christian. 63 

save us from our enemies, and to bless mankind 
throughout the earth. Some indeed suppose, 
that whenever a great man is needed, a great 
man will be found. But, as Carlisle says, in 
his work on Hero Worship, how often has the 
world called for a man to sustain the cause of 
liberty or virtue, and called in vain. If in the 
day of our peril, when all things seemed against 
us, such a man as Washington appeared, to 
lead our armies, and to inaugurate our Consti- 
tution, we are to consider this a special evidence 
of Heaven's favour. How different, if one of 
another temperament, of another moral charac- 
ter, of another mental training, had been called 
to occupy either position! Our liberties might 
have been surrendered to the enemy, or have 
been trampled on by a despot. Our govern- 
ment might have become a worthless demo- 
cracy, or an oppressive oligarchy. That the 
temple of our liberties stands the shock of trai- 
tors so well, is an evidence that its foundations 
have been laid deep and strong. It was he 
who laid them. It was God who gave him the 
work to do. 



64 Washinc/ton a Christian. 

From all this, then, we may learn that our 
surest, safest confidence is God. We honour 
man, but it is as God's agent to do his work. 
If we give to the creature the glory due to 
the Creator, we are as unwise as we are sin- 
ful. If success crowns our arms, it is he who 
hath given us the victory. How noble the 
sentiments expressed in a recent letter of our 
Secretary of War, not less magnanimous than 
true. " Much has been recently said," writes 
Mr. Stanton, " of military combinations, and of 
organizing victory. I hear such phrases with 
apprehension. They commenced in infidel 
France with the Italian campaign, and resulted 
in Waterloo. Who can organize victory] 
Who can combine the elements of success on 
the battle-field. We owe our recent victories 
to the Spirit of the Lord, that moved our sol- 
diers to rush into battle, and filled the hearts 
of our enemies with terror and dismay. The 
inspiration that conquered in battle was in the 
hearts of our soldiers and from on high, and 
wherever there is the same inspiration, there 
will be the same results." Says the prophet, 



WasMngto7i a Christian. 65 

" Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and 
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart depart- 
from the Lord. Blessed be the man who 
trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord 
is." " Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in 
the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." 

Such considerations as these make us full of 
hope for the future of our beloved country. 
That Divine Providence which, in a manner so 
remarkable, gave success to our arms in the 
unequal contest which secured our indepen- 
dence — which provided for our government a 
Constitution so admirably adjusted, in its coun- 
terpoises and compromises — which raised up 
for us then and since such noble men, heroes, 
sages, patriots. Christians — which gave us 
Washington — will not desert us now. In that 
heavenly power let us confide, and soon trea- 
son will be driven from our land, our Union 
restored, our Constitution re-established, our 
whole country peaceful and prosperous again. 
We will with one heart bless Him from whom 
all blessings flow, and as a nation recognise his 
righteous and benignant law as our supreme 
*6 



66 Washington a Christian. 

rule, and render to Him who is the "Prince 
of the kings of the earth,"* "the Governor 
among the nations,"f the allegiance of loyal, 
loving hearts. 

* Revelation i. 6. f Psalm xxii. 28. 



APPENDIX. 



General McClellan's recent order is still more satis- 
factory. 

Head quarters Army of the Potomac, | 
Washington, November 27, 1861. J 

The Sunday morning company inspections prescribed 
by Article Thirty, Revised Army Regulations, vfill here- 
after be made at eight o'clock, A. M. Congress having by 
law provided for the employment of Chaplains for the 
army, it was no doubt designed, and the General com- 
manding directs, that no officer place obstacles in the way 
of a proper exercise of the functions of their office. It 
is therefore ordered that in future the Sunday morning 
services will commence at eleven o'clock, unless manifest 
military reasons prevent. Commanding officers will see 
that all persons connected with their commands, when not 
on guard or other important duty requiring their constant 
attention, have the opportunity afforded them of attending 
divine service. 

The second article of war earnestly recommends all 
officers and soldiers diligently to attend divine service, and 



68 Appendix, 

attaches a penalty for irreverent behaviour while at the 
place of worship. 

Chaplains will at all times be permitted to visit the 
camps, quarters, and hospitals within the limits of the 
commands to which they are attached, to hold free and 
uninterrupted intercourse with the ofl&cers and soldiers 
off duty. Chaplains will not in future be required to 
appear at reviews or inspections, as it is believed their 
time and services may be more profitably employed else- 
where. 

It is enjoined upon all persons connected with the 
army to preserve at all times a respectful deportment 
towards Chaplains, and to give them a hearty co-operation 
in their efforts to promote and improve the moral condition 
of the army. 

By command of 

Major-Gteneral McCLELLAN. 

S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant-General. 



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